Hayes named Footscray Best and Fairest

Will Hayes secured at least a vote in 17 out of a possible 18 appearances. (Photo: Liz Vagg/Western Bulldogs)

Will Hayes has capped off an outstanding 2018 VFL season, winning the Footscray Bulldogs’ Best and Fairest, which was announced at the Charles Sutton Medal event at Crown Palladium.

Playing every game for the Dogs this year, Hayes maintained a consistently high standard, topping the side’s disposals (26 per game) and contested possessions (10 per game) while ranking second in the league for total uncontested possessions (16 per game) and third for total inside-50s.

Securing at least a vote in 17 out of a possible 18 appearances, the 23-year-old finished the season on 383.5 votes, 159 votes ahead of defender Fletcher Roberts (224.5).

Co-captain Angus Monfries rounded out the top three with 218 votes after his breakout season with the Dogs, where he led the goalkicking tally, booting 29 majors across 17 games.